"... a sweeping, analytical synethsis of collective violence from the colonial experience to the present." --American Studies "Gilje has written 'the book' on rioting throughout American history." --The Historian "... a thorough, illuminating, and at times harrowing account of man's inhumanity to man." --William and Mary Quarterly "... fulfills its title's promise as an encyclopedic study... an impressive accomplishment and required reading for anyone interested in America's contentious past." --Journal of the Early Republic "Gilje has written a thought-provoking survey of the social context of American riots and popular disorders from the Colonial period to the late 20th century.... a must read for anyone interested in riots." --Choice In this wide-ranging survey of rioting in America, Paul A. Gilje argues that we cannot fully comprehend the history of the United States without an understanding of the impact of rioting. Exploring the rationale of the American mob brings to light the grievances that motivate its behavior and the historical circumstances that drive the choices it makes. Gilje's unusual lens makes for an eye-opening view of the American people and their history.